Over the past few years, Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS has taken quite a hit in light of new OS options like webOS, Apple's iPhone OS, and Android.  Microsoft must have taken it to heart, as they've officially launched Windows Phone 7 Series at Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, Spain.  Not only is the name completely new, but the OS is too - Microsoft has re-designed the OS from the ground up, with a completely new user interface and home screen (in other words, no more Start menu).  Realizing the importance of social networking, Windows Phone 7 Series provides integrated contact pages with status updates from multiple networking options.  In true Microsoft fashion, Xbox integration is included, and will offer LIVE games, avatars, and profiles.  Zune integration is there as well, with features similar to the units found on the market today.

Windows Phone 7 Series has quite a few carrier partnerships, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile in the United States; and Deutsche Telekom AG, Orange, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Telstra, Vodafone overseas.  Expect to see hardware from Dell, Garmin-Asus, HTC, HP, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, and Qualcomm.  In a shift from the past strategy, Microsoft is dictating a firm approach with the hardware manufacturers by requiring a very specific set of specifications for Windows Phone 7 Series devices.  Unlike previous Windows versions, these devices will offer a universal "Windows Phone identity."

This is more than a simple update, this is a major from-the-ground-up overhaul, and it proves that Microsoft is serious about competing in today's smartphone market space.  More to come as the morning progresses.

Via Engadget Mobile